WWE has announced that Belair will make an appearance on tonight’s SmackDown from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Belair is defending her title against IYO SKY at Backlash this Saturday night.
While she’s currently the Raw Women’s Champion, Belair will soon be a fixture of SmackDown. She was selected by SmackDown in the WWE Draft last Friday. The post-draft rosters will officially take effect after Backlash.
Belair has held the Raw Women’s Championship since defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley was selected by Raw in the draft. Zelina Vega is challenging Ripley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Saturday’s pay-per-view.
Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan is hosting SmackDown tonight. The updated lineup for the episode is listed below:
Bad Bunny appears
Cody Rhodes appears
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair appears
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Karrion Kross
The OC (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) vs. The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik)
Things are chaotic in WWE, and a lot of it has to do with one person’s return.
Meltzer pointed out that in Bianca Belair’s promo on Friday’s SmackDown, she referred to herself as the SmackDown Women’s Champion. Later in the show, however, Rhea Ripley was constantly referred to as the SmackDown Women’s Champion.
“It’s very clear that again, people are being told different things that change all the time…there’s a lot of chaos right now,” Meltzer said.
Alvarez brought up that we could see a belt exchange between Ripley and Belair, something that’s been done before to controversy.
“I don’t understand why we just can’t rename these Women’s titles so that every year we don’t have to do a belt swap, which is so hokey,” Alvarez said.
Meltzer said at the end of the day, it’s wrestling and it’s inherently hokey. Alvarez argued that it didn’t have to be that way.
“With Vince McMahon, it has to be. There’s no other way…WWE is written for Vince McMahon, it’s going to be hokey. It’s just how it is,” Meltzer said.
Bad Bunny will return to the ring at WWE Backlash.
As announced on Monday’s Raw episode, Bad Bunny is set to take on Damian Priest of The Judgment Day in a street fight at the Saturday, May 6 Backlash pay-per-view in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will be the third career match for Bad Bunny.
Bunny appeared on Monday’s Raw, saving Rey Mysterio from a Priest attack. Bunny hit Priest with a kendo stick, then announced that he was no longer hosting Backlash, but instead would be facing Priest in a street fight at the event.
Bunny last wrestled in the 2022 Royal Rumble match. Prior to that, he teamed with Priest to defeat John Morrison and The Miz on night one of WrestleMania 37 in April 2021.
A Raw Women’s Championship match has also been added to the Backlash card.
Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against number one contender IYO SKY at Backlash. SKY won a number one contender’s match on the April 10 Raw, defeating Michin and Piper Niven to set up the title bout.
The updated Backlash lineup:
WWE Backlash, Saturday, May 6, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens & Matt Riddle vs. The Usos & Solo Sikoa
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Street fight: Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defends against IYO SKY
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley defends against Zelina Vega
Triple threat match for the United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against Bobby Lashley & Bronson Reed
Here are some notes from night two of WWE WrestleMania 39 from Los Angeles, California.
Gunther’s reign continues
Going into the three-way Intercontinental title match between Gunther, Sheamus and Drew McIntyre, it was understood that it would be physical and hard-hitting.
Then, there was what we got which went beyond that.
In the end, Gunther got the pin on McIntyre following power bombing Sheamus onto McIntyre’s back and then a second power bomb onto the mat for the win.
His title reign now stands at 297 days and he continues to chase the Honky Tonk Man’s 454-day reign which would be roughly just over five months from now.
Bobby Lashley appearance
The Andre The Giant memorial battle royale winner made an appearance on the stage with the trophy during the show, but there was no in-ring action or angle or anything involved with it or his appearance. He was slated to take on Bray Wyatt at one point, but Wyatt has been dealing with an illness and hasn’t been heard from in weeks.
LA Knight non-appearance
Despite the Los Angeles crowd getting behind him on SmackDown, there was no LA Knight appearance Sunday.
The Bianca Belair dancers
The young dance troupe that performed before Belair’s entrance were from the Divas of Compton who have performed on big stages before like at the 2022 Super Bowl and America’s Got Talent.
Belair retained her Raw Women’s title and celebrated one year as champion in doing so, outlasting Asuka in an outstanding match that was physical in its own right.
Mark Briscoe recognizes Zayn & Owens
After new undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens gave respect to Jay and Mark Briscoe in the post-event press conference, Mark took to Twitter Sunday to pay his own respects to the new champions and even the old ones:
Was on the red eye last night..@SamiZayn@FightOwensFight just watched the match..tag team action at its finest!! Congrats my brothers LOVE YALL@WWEUsos …can’t wait to do it on the other side! ✊🏽 #RESPECT
Legendary sports broadcaster Al Michaels and NFL star George Kittle (who got involved in the Pat McAfee/Miz match Saturday) were recognized on camera. Also in the front row: Endeavor head (and possible future WWE owner) Ari Emanuel and famed music producer/wrestling fan Rick Rubin.
Sponsorship
Before the Hell in a Cell match, actor Russell Crowe did a video hyping it up as part of a sponsorship deal with a new horror movie he is in.
As was the case throughout the weekend, there was an increased sponsorship and ad presence. Another example Sunday was Mike Hard’s Lemonade sponsoring the aforementioned Gunther/Sheamus/McIntyre match which included a pre-match ad.
Everything else:
Attendance was announced as 81,395 for Sunday and 161,892 combined for the two nights.
Tonight marked Brock Lesnar’s 12th WrestleMania match and Nattie’s 11th match and 13th appearance which she said was a “world record for a female in WWE.”
Date: April 2, 2023 Location: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
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Show Recap —
KICK-OFF SHOW
The pre-show panel was Kayla Braxton, Wade Barrett, Booker T and Kevin Patrick.
Peter Rosenberg accosted Liv Morgan backstage and she said there was a 100,000% chance that her team would win tonight. He continued backstage, bumping into Stacy Keibler coming out of the elevator by pure coincidence, Bronson Reed, and the Street Profits (who were pumped for Bianca Belair).
Paul Heyman interview
Cathy Kelley asked Paul Heyman if the downfall of the Usos last night would mean the downfall of Roman Reigns tonight.
Heyman told a story about his younger self being at Starrcade and meeting Dusty Rhodes. Heyman called Dusty a father figure to him. He recalled Dusty complimenting his promo but Dusty asked him, “but where’s the money?”
Heyman asked himself that question for years and now he knew the answer: Roman Reigns. Heyman called this the highest-grossing WrestleMania and it was because of Reigns — not Cody Rhodes. Reigns didn’t crack under the pressure he was put under and he was ready. Cody should be ready to lose to the money, Roman Reigns.
********
George Kittle joined the panel to discuss his involvement last night and what he’s looking forward to tonight.
Brock Lesnar against Omos will open the show.
The panel finished up discussing the main event.
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In the signature video that starts every WWE show, they’ve added Roman Reigns saying, “Acknowledge me.”
WRESTLEMANIA 39 NIGHT TWO — MAIN SHOW
Jimmie Allen performed America the Beautiful.
Kevin Hart did the intro video again.
The Miz and Snoop Dogg kicked things off again. Miz mentioned the new champions, Rhea Ripley, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn and the crowd cheered them. Snoop told the crowd to fire it up.
Brock Lesnar defeated Omos (w/MVP) (4:55)
Lesnar got a big fireworks display and Michael Cole mentioned that this is his 12th Mania match.
Lesnar tried a tackle but Omos grabbed him and flung him aside and Lesnar took a great bump. Omos blocked Lesnar’s offence and easily scoop-slammed him twice. Omos targetted his lower back and applied a bearhug, taking Lesnar off his feet. Omos slammed him again and again applied a bearhug as the crowd cheered on Lesnar.
Lesnar tried to fight back but Omos hit a chokeslam for two. Lesnar avoided a charge and hit two German suplexes. Lesnar really sold his back but he managed to hit another German as the crowd cheered. Lesnar went for an F5 but fell under the weight.
Lesnar countered a chokeslam and hit an F5 for the pinfall win.
The crowd enjoyed this and it was as good as it was going to be. Lesnar’s big moves were damn impressive.
********
Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya & Shotzi and Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville (8:21)
There was a spot early where Green went for a missile dropkick but Rodriguez no-sold it. Rodriguez, Morgan and Natalya gave Baszler a triple powerbomb. Shotzi wiped out Green and Deville with a flying crossbody. Shotzi took out a couple of opponents with a suicide dive and Green followed with a dive off the top. Rodriguez then powerbombed her partner Morgan onto the group outside.
Deville and Green worked together with strikes to take out Rodriguez. Natalya and Shotzi gave Deville a Hart Attack before Natalya slammed Green onto Deville. Natalya stacked Green and Deville on top of each other and put them both in the Sharpshooter at the same time, which popped the crowd. Morgan broke it up by giving Natalya a Codebreaker.
Morgan gave Shotzi an Oblivion but Baszler and Rousey broke up the cover. They beat up Morgan and Shotzi before Rousey tapped out Shotzi with the armbar.
(Rousey’s left arm was in a soft brace again as it was on Smackdown a couple of weeks ago. The armbar was basically all she did.)
The match was ok. The crowd was pretty quiet for it.
********
They introduced Bobby Lashley as the winner of the Andre the Giant battle royal. He entered in street clothes and posed with the big trophy. He was all smiles as he soaked in the crowd reaction. (I kinda felt bad for Lashley as this seems like it for him for the night.)
Xavier Woods was backstage with Nikki Cross, Tegan Nox, Madcap Moss, Hit Row, and Angelo Dawkins. They ran a simulation on WWE 2K23 that determined Drew McIntyre was the most likely to win the triple threat.
********
Titus O’Neil joined commentary for the next match.
(Last night, Cinnamon Toast Crunch was the sponsor for Rey vs. Dominik Mysterio and it was somewhat distracting. Mike’s Hard Lemonade was the sponsor for this match and they even had an ad with Sheamus and McIntyre.)
Triple Threat Match: Gunther defeated Drew McIntyre and Sheamus to retain the Intercontinental Championship (16:36)
McIntyre immediately knocked Gunther out of the ring with a dropkick which allowed him and Sheamus to go at it. Gunther came back in and returned the favour to McIntyre before teeing off on Sheamus’ chest. The crowd gave him an applause for his lethal chops, which turned Sheamus’ chest red. Gunther put him in a Boston Crab but McIntyre smacked him twice in the face.
Gunther and McIntyre exchange chops and McIntyre actually won the exchange which got a pop from the crowd. Sheamus came back in and they all took turns clobbering each other.
Sheamus did ten beats of the Bodhrán but in between each shot, McIntyre also chopped Gunther. Sheamus did almost 30 beats of the Bodhrán as the crowd counted along. The crowd loved all of this and Cole was freaking out.
Gunther gave Sheamus a big boot, German suplex, and lariat for two. Gunther hit another big lariat but Sheamus kicked out. McIntyre gave Gunther a neckbreaker before suplexing Sheamus into Gunther in the corner. Gunther ducked a Claymore kick and followed with a dropkick and powerbomb for a nearfall.
Sheamus gave Gunther a White Noise off the middle rope and a Celtic Cross (Razor’s Edge) for a nearfall. Sheamus put Gunther in a cloverleaf but McIntyre broke it up. Sheamus handed out knee strikes to both men.
Sheamus hit Gunther with the Brogue Kick and the crowd was going nuts but McIntyre broke up the cover. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.” McIntyre hit Sheamus with an Undertaker dive and the crowd chanted “holy shit.”
McIntyre went for the Claymore Kick but Sheamus hit him with a perfectly timed Brogue Kick for a close nearfall. The crowd gave them a standing ovation.
They exchanged strikes until McIntyre hit Sheamus with Claymore Kick for a nearfall.
They traded right hands until Sheamus hit another Brogue Kick but he was too beat up and took too long to make a cover. As he did make the cover, Gunther broke it up with a splash.
Gunther powerbombed Sheamus onto McIntyre’s arched back and gave McIntyre powerbomb for the pinfall win.
This was amazing. The crowd loved it and the announcers gave it a standing ovation.
********
Bianca Belair defeated Asuka to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (15:57)
Asuka’s entrance included four different women dressed as Asuka in masks prancing on the stage as she made her entrance. Bianca Belair’s entrance was very cool. She had more than a dozen young Black girls do a dance number to introduce her and the crowd applauded it.
Belair wore black and gold, Asuka wore red and gold (with blue and red hair).
Belair was briefly in control but Asuka used a cool strike combo to take over. Asuka tried a super German suplex but Belair landed on her feet and hit a spinebuster for two. Belair tried a standing moonsault but Asuka caught her in a submission. Asuka transitioned into a version of the Asuka Lock but Belair got out of the ring.
They fought outside and Belair hit a brutal-looking powerbomb before rolling Asuka in the ring for a two count. They traded counters before Asuka hit a missile dropkick for two.
They exchanged moves on the apron until Belair hit an impressive deadlift vertical suplex, bringing Asuka into the ring from the outside for a two count. The crowd was getting quiet but they applauded that spot. They traded cradles and counters until Asuka hit a kick to the head for two.
There were dueling chants as Belair hit a blockbuster and standing moonsault for two. Asuka hit a knee strike but Belair came right back with a tackle. They battled on the top but Asuka pulled Belair down by the braid and hit a Codebreaker for two. Belair got Asuka up in Glam Slam position and drove her into the turnbuckle.
Belair tried a KOD but Asuka got out of it. Belair almost hit the referee and Asuka wanted to use the distraction to mist Belair but she ducked it.
Belair went for the KOD but Asuka reversed into an armbar. The crowd went nuts because they thought this might a title change but Belair fought out and hit KOD for the pinfall win. Belair retains.
This was a really strong match. The crowd was relatively quiet for the first half but they got really into it after that.
********
George Kittle and Al Michaels were shown in the crowd.
They replayed Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beating the Usos to win the tag titles. They focused on the finish of Zayn hitting Jey with multiple Helluva Kicks.
********
Snoop and Miz were in the ring dancing to Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang. Miz announced an attendance of 81,395 bringing the two-night total to 161,892.
Miz complained to Snoop about putting him in an impromptu match last night. Snoop said, “my bad” but Miz didn’t like that response. Miz said this was his city but Snoop told him this was “our city.” Snoop had an opponent.
Shane McMahon entered. Shane grabbed a mic and told the crowd how much their response meant to him. Snoop made a match official.
Shane McMahon Snoop Dogg defeated The Miz
This was something.
Shane was doing whatever his offence is before he suddenly fell, apparently injuring his leg. Referee Jessika Carr and a trainer checked on Shane.
Snoop stepped in and dropped Miz with a right hand. He asked Shane if he was ok before they rolled him out of the ring.
Snoop dropped Miz again and hit a People’s Elbow for the pinfall win. Snoop danced and the crowd cheered.
********
There was a movie ad tie-in with Russell Crowe who introduced the match by video.
Edge entered as “Brood Edge” but fortunately, they didn’t do the regular Brood entrance. I know everyone loves that entrance but Edge doing that bit at this point in his career is weird. Instead, Edge had a new outfit and he came up through the stage to “South of Heaven” by Slayer. Edge’s regular Alter Bridge music hit and he made his entrance.
Finn Bálor entered as the demon to his old music. (There’s still a bit of daylight out which didn’t help the entrance but it still looked pretty cool.)
Hell in a Cell match: Edge defeated Finn Bálor (18:08)
They went for weapons under the ring right away as Edge grabbed a red steel chair while Bálor grabbed a purple kendo stick (Judgment Day’s colours are purple). Edge hit Bálor with the chair but he no-sold it and hit Edge repeatedly with the stick. There were also red kendo sticks and Edge pulled out a bunch of them before hitting Bálor with a purple one.
Three minutes in, the crowd chanted “we want tables.” Edge trapped Bálor in the corner of the Cell by pinning him into it with two kendo sticks. Edge followed with a missile dropkick off the apron. Bálor sold that he got hit but also sold like it didn’t hurt.
Edge set up a purple table to the delight of the crowd but Bálor busted free of the kendo sticks and went to town on Edge who fought back soon later with an impaler DDT. Bálor basically popped right up and hit a slingblade. (They’re really pushing that Bálor is a different animal as the demon.)
Bálor then hit a running dropkick, sending Edge through the table he set up. Bálor whipped a few chairs at Edge’s face but Edge booted him and hit an Unprettier in the ring. Edge hit an Edge-o-matic but Bálor kicked out at one.
Edge shoved a ladder into Bálor’s face and Bálor came up bleeding. It looked like this was hard-way blood and the ref stopped Edge so they could clean up Bálor. The crowd booed because they didn’t want the match to pause. They showed a replay and while Bálor did get his hands up, the ladder did appear to hit him right on the forehead.
As the medical staff checked on Bálor, Edge took more weapons out from under the ring to distract the crowd.
Bálor popped back up and stomped Edge. Edge avoided a Coup de Grace which led to a double down as they clotheslined each other. Bálor is still bleeding.
Bálor responded with a slingblade, dropkick and Coup de Grace for two.
Bálor climbed a ladder but Edge hit him with a kendo stick. Edge used the ladder to bring Bálor down from the top rope with an Edgecution for a nearfall.
Edge pulled out a table but Bálor attacked him with a kendo stick and hit him repeatedly in the midsection with a chair. With Edge on a table, Bálor climbed the inside of the Cell onto a little platform (that isn’t normally there) about halfway up the Cell. Bálor tried a Coup de Grace but Edge moved and Bálor crashed through the table.
Edge followed with a spear for a nearfall. Edge hammered away on Bálor’s back with the stick and red chair.
Edge grabbed another chair and hit a con-chair-to without hesitating for the pinfall win.
********
They’re killing a lot of time before the main event.
There was a commercial and a video package of all the movie parodies.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Belair who said she was living the dream. Belair’s dancer friends joined her and they celebrated together.
They recapped the Hall of Fame and brought out the 2023 Hall of Famers/Hall of Famer families. Rey Mysterio got his own entrance of course. Rey embraced Stacy Keibler, the Great Muta, and the families of Andy Kaufman and Tim White.
There was a video for next year’s WrestleMania in Philadelphia. They also showed Seth Rollins’ entrance from last night. This might’ve been a spot for a commercial break depending on how you’re watching. There was also a TurboTax commercial regardless of how you’re watching.
There was a video package for the main event.
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Cody Rhodes entered and the crowd loudly sang the high points of his song. Rhodes embraced his wife, daughter, sister and mother at ringside. His young daughter was wearing headphones to block the loud noises but she took them off after her dad hugged her. Cody gave his weight belt to Brodie Lee’s oldest son (Negative 1), who was acknowledged by Michael Cole.
Reigns’ entrance included six or so piano players performing ahead of his regular entrance.
Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman & Solo Sikoa) defeated Cody Rhodes to retain the WWE Universal Championship (35:27)
Samantha Irvin did the ring intros and the crowd is very much into this. Both men got big reactions but Cody is very obviously the favourite. Reigns grabbed the mic and said, “WrestleMania — acknowledge me.”
They had an exchange that led to Rhodes doing the Goldust uppercut spot. Reigns regrouped outside the ring as Heyman told him to smash Cody. Reigns gained some offence but Rhodes cut him off with a dropkick for one. Rhodes tried a Disaster Kick but Reigns caught him and hit a powerbomb for two.
Reigns was in control for a bit but after he tried to toss Rhodes from the ring, Rhodes bounced back in and went after him. However, Reigns blocked a PK and dropped Rhodes on the apron. Reigns slammed Rhodes on the ramp but Rhodes responded by doing the same.
Rhodes had the advantage but as the referee checked on Reigns, Sikoa hit Rhodes in the ribs with a chair. Reigns followed with a drive-by dropkick for two. Rhodes tried to fire back but Sikoa tripped him, as the ref dumbly looked at Reigns, and Reigns followed with a clothesline for two.
Reigns cleared both announce tables and tried a powerbomb but Rhodes blocked and backdropped him through a table. In the ring, Rhodes hit strikes, a powerslam and Cody Cutter for two. (Cole went a little too crazy, somehow thinking Rhodes would win with a springboard cutter.)
Rhodes hit a suicide dive and they appeared to clonk heads (Rhodes checked on Reigns before chucking him back in the ring). Sikoa whipped Rhodes with his weight belt and the ref finally stopped playing dumb and he chucked Sikoa from ringside. The crowd cheered.
Reigns wanted to use the belt but the ref stopped him and the distraction allowed Rhodes to hit a superkick and Cross Rhodes for a nearfall. The crowd was really buzzing. (Cole said, “this was Cody’s chance!” which is exactly what he said earlier after the Cody Cutter.)
Reigns fought back with a jawbreaker and Uranage/Rock Bottom for two. Rhodes ducked a superman punch and hit a Pedigree for a nearfall.
Rhodes went for Disaster Kick but Reigns caught him in mid-air with a superman punch for two. Reigns seemed to be filled with self-doubt but Heyman assured him that Rhodes was ready to be defeated. Reigns went for a spear but Rhodes flipped over into a cradle for two before applying a figure four but Reigns countered it.
They traded right hands before Reigns dodged Rhodes’ move off the top and hit a spear for a nearfall. Reigns applied a guillotine as the crowd chanted for Rhodes. Rhodes tried to fire up but Reigns wrapped his legs around Rhodes.
Rhodes fought out of it and attacked Reigns but Reigns ducked a kick and Rhodes booted the referee. Both men went down after Reigns hit a superman punch and Rhodes hit a clothesline.
Rhodes set up for the Cross Rhodes but Jimmy and Jey Uso came in and superkicked him before hitting 1D. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn ran in through the crowd and dumped the Usos from the ring.
Owens gave Reigns a stunner. Zayn gave Reigns a Helluva kick.
Owens and Zayn brawled with the Usos out through the crowd.
Rhodes covered Reigns for a nearfall. The crowd is on its feet.
They exchanged strikes until Rhodes hit the Dusty jabs, Bionic elbow, and Goldust uppercut.
Rhodes hit two consecutive Cross Rhodes but Heyman distracted the referee.
Sikoa in a hood reemerged and gave Rhodes the Samoan Spike. Reigns speared Rhodes.
*The new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter is up on the site. It’s got the most detailed coverage from a business standpoint and creative standpoint, covering AEW Revolution including reader feedback on that show, UFC 285 and the Stardom show this past weekend.
*Match and performer of the week
*The longest singles title matches since 1970 all over the world
*MJF vs Danielson and comparisons to other Iron Man matches
*Evaluating MJF as a performer and a drawing card
*Early PPV numbers along with gate numbers from San Francisco and other business metrics
*The return of FTR
*The potential of the AEW tag team division
*AEW repeat PPV business notes
*Movie theater business for Revolution
*San Francisco records
*Future AEW directions
*Full details on WWE’s attempt to get gambling legal on its outcomes and what steps and how its business will have to change to make this happen
*Full coverage of UFC 285 including Jon Jones legacy and future, Alexa Grasso’s win and business notes regarding the show including what unique note thee was about the prelims this week
*Full details on the amended lawsuit MLW has filed against WWE, McDevitt talks, what new things are added and what it says about the MLW relationship with REELZ, and lots of business notes from the lawsuit regarding the wrestling television rights fees
*Stardom puts on its best show of the year and a look at the very different excellent matches
*Notes on the first few days of the New Japan Cup and where things stand
*TV ratings over the past week as well as segment-by-segment notes, competition and the whys of how everything went down
*The unique team challenge tournament CMLL finished up this past week
*AAA star faces claims by girlfriend of domestic violence and both CMLL and AAA talk about the situation
*Notes on the joint NWA and AAA show put together as part of a Smashing Pumpkins concert
*Notes on retirement of Daisuke Harada
*New Japan anniversary show and New Japan Cup notes*Zero-1 runs 22nd anniversary show
*Notes from Creed III
*Big shows over Mania weekend not from WWE
*Major questions on AEW talent and their media talks
*What international star AEW tried to get for San Francisco and why it didn’t happen
*International TV ratings and streaming numbers for WWE & AEW and what NXT segment scored huge
*Upcoming ticket advances for WWE & AEW shows
*Dana White on the future of Power Slap
*48-year-old world champion wrestler has retirement MMA fight soon
*Notes on Vince McMahon’s return backstage at the Boston show
*Wells Fargo Securities predictions on Smackdown negotiations and the value of Raw & Smackdown right now
*WWE performer talks trying to go to the 2024 Olympics and is training for MMA as well
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Tuesday Update
WWE
Shawn Michaels announced on Twitter that Roxanne Perez’s condition was “still in question” and that at Stand at Deliver they will “possibly” have to crown a new NXT women’s Champion. Micheals wrote on Twitter: “Starting tonight there will be a series of qualifying matches with the winners advancing to Stand and Deliver to compete to become the NXT Women’s Champion in a Ladder Match.”
A contract signing between Bron Breakker and Carmelo Hayes has also been added to tonight’s NXT.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Akira Tozawa and Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs. Maximum Male Models were taped for this week’s Main Event.
Bianca Belair has made history as the longest-reigning Black champion in WWE’s history, having held the Raw Women’s Championship since last year’s WrestleMania 38 at 344 days. The previous record holder was MVP, who held the United States title for 343 days.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Charlotte Flair was asked about Mercedes Mone’s recent transition to New Japan Pro Wrestling. “I think it’s cool whenever someone follows their heart, and that’s inspiring,” she said. “There will never be another group like the Four Horsewomen, ever.”
PWInsider reported that Drew McIntyre nearly missed last week’s SmackDown due to illness. He was cleared by WWE’s medical team to compete that night.
In an update regarding the MLW vs. WWE case, WWE has asked for an extension to respond until April 7.
WWE filed for the trademark “Bobby Lashley” on March 9.
Shotzi celebrates a birthday today.
AEW
This week’s AEW Road to, focusing on the AEW International and Trios title matches.
Other Wrestling
Josh Alexander vs. Michael Oku has been added to the WrestleCon Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow on March 30.
Bushiroad announced that they and Pro Wrestling Wave will hold a joint show on April 28 at Shinjuku FACE.
ECW Press will be publishing a biography on Macho Man Randy Savage by Jon Finkel. The book will be titled Macho Man: Life of a Savage and will be released in 2024. Slam Wrestling announced the book Tuesday morning.
Bianca Belair now knows who her WrestleMania opponent will be.
Asuka will challenge Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 39. That was confirmed when Asuka defeated Raquel Rodriguez, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, Natalya, and Carmella in an Elimination Chamber match on Saturday night.
Asuka was the last woman to enter the Elimination Chamber. She eliminated Carmella to win the match and was also involved in eliminating Rodriguez and Morgan.
The final three wrestlers left at the end were Asuka, Carmella, and Rodriguez. Asuka and Carmella worked together to eliminate Rodriguez, then Asuka submitted Carmella with an armbar.
A more aggressive version of Asuka returned to WWE in last month’s women’s Royal Rumble match. Asuka made it to the final three of the Rumble before being eliminated by Rhea Ripley.
WrestleMania 39 is taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. Three matches have already been confirmed for the event:
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Cody Rhodes
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Rhea Ripley
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Asuka
Bianca Belair says John Cena helped her put what happened at SummerSlam 2021 into perspective.
The Raw Women’s Champion was a guest on Out of Character and commented on her loss to Becky Lynch in just 26-seconds on the show and how it made her wonder if WWE still had faith in her.
Belair said:
I’m like ‘okay, they have this faith in me and let’s run with it, let me prove, let me show that this was the right decision to make,’ and then SummerSlam happened. That just kind of like messed with me a little bit, like was I doing something wrong? I thought I was doing everything right and then we had to rebound from that.
She would continue to say that John Cena offered her some advice after the loss to Lynch.
Sometimes when you think it can be the worst thing that’s happening and then it flourishes into this beautiful year-long storyline and it all comes full circle, and that’s what it did for me. But in the moment, it can be tough. That 26-second moment was tough for me and I remember going to my husband, and we always allow each other to vent and then we’re like ‘Okay, I’m validating your feelings but how do we get out of this? Like, we can’t stay here in this mindset, let’s look at the bigger picture.’
Then John Cena was there and he pulled me aside and he talked to me. He really helped me with my perspective of that and it’s going to carry with me for the rest of my career.
It definitely helped and I always looked up to John Cena. John Cena is someone who is a student of the game no matter what. Even when he comes back, he’s in front of the TV backstage watching all the matches, even like at live events, he’ll go and he’ll be on the Main Event matches. He’s always watching and being a student and he’s sharing his knowledge with us. He’s a gem in this business and he gave me some gems that night.
Nearly six months after her loss to Lynch at SummerSlam 2021, Belair won the women’s Elimination Chamber match last year in Saudi Arabia. She then went on to defeat Lynch for the Raw women’s title at WrestleMania 38. Finally, her storyline with Lynch came to a close with Belair winning their rubber match at SummerSlam 2022.
Belair continued to talk about how her storyline with Lynch came full circle.
I feel like it all worked out. A lot of that had to do with Becky Lynch too. She is someone who fights for women’s wrestling but she also fights for others in the locker room and she had a lot to do with bringing that full circle and making it work out the way that it did and I’ve learned so much from her. In hindsight, looking back, that was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. You can’t be Superwoman all the time, and you’ve got to overcome some odds and I was able to do that and then it turned into this beautiful storyline.
It definitely worked out in a perfect way.
Belair will attempt to reach the one-year mark as champion at WrestleMania 39. She will face the winner of Saturday’s women’s Elimination Chamber match on the show.
WWE continues to follow up on the Royal Rumble as tonight’s SmackDown takes place at Bon Secours Wellness Arena inGreenville, South Carolina.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set to address the aftermath of his title match against Kevin Owens. After Reigns defeated Owens last Saturday, The Bloodline gave Owens a vicious beating. Sami Zayn refused to attack Owens and hit Reigns with the chair to a giant pop. The Bloodline then turned their attack on Zayn — except for Jey Uso, who walked off.
Reigns will defend his Undisputed title against men’s Royal Rumble winner Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 39.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair puts her title on the line against Sonya Deville tonight. Flair is scheduled to defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against women’s Royal Rumble winner Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania.
The SmackDown Tag Team title contender’s tournament concludes tonight with Imperium taking on Braun Strowman & Ricochet in the finals.
In a women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match, Shayna Baszler, Shotzi, Zelina Vega, and Natalya compete in a fatal four-way.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– A video package recapped The Bloodline/Sami Zayn angle from the Royal Rumble.
– Kayla Braxton was standing in the parking lot when the Bloodline arrived without Jey Uso. She asked about Jey, but they ignored her. Paul Heyman approached and had no comment regarding Jey’s status in The Bloodline.
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SmackDown tag team number one contender’s tournament finals: Braun Strowman & Ricochet defeated Imperium (w/Gunther) (16:24)
Ricochet & Strowman vs. Imperium was a great opener. Everyone played to their strengths and worked hard. They got a lot of time to tell a good story. It’s a bit odd that Ricochet and Strowman won the tournament, even though they weren’t in it at first.
They showed the Ricochet/Logan Paul spot from the Rumble match. Michael Cole recapped Gunther’s performance in the Royal Rumble, which he called legendary.
Strowman dominated Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci early in the match. Imperium regrouped at ringside with Gunther. After a distraction, Kaiser rocked Ricochet with an uppercut. Strowman jumped off the apron and ran over Vinci at ringside. As Gunther distracted Strowman, Kaiser went for a suicide dive, but Strowman caught him. Vinci then dove off the top rope onto both.
Back from the break, Strowman went shoulder-first into the ring post. The heels isolated Strowman on their side of the ring. Vinci slowed the pace with a front face lock. Strowman broke free, and Ricochet got the hot tag. Ricochet hit a flying crossbody, springboard clothesline, and a standing shooting star press for a near fall.
Imperium briefly regained control. Strowman helped launch Ricochet onto Imperium at ringside. Ricochet and Gunther started arguing. Ricochet pushed him, so Gunther shoved him back. The referee watched the whole thing go down, so he sent Gunther to the back as they went to a break.
Ricochet and Kaiser traded shots back and forth. Imperium worked together to take out Ricochet and knocked Strowman off the apron. They went for the Imperium bomb, but Ricochet escaped.
Vinci caught Ricochet and hit a brainbuster, but Strowman broke up the pin attempt. Strowman got the tag and hit anything that moved. Strowman destroyed Imperium with a clothesline. The finish came when Strowman hit the monster bomb on Kaiser. Ricochet then hit a Swanton bomb off Strowman’s shoulders to win the tournament.
Ricochet & Strowman take on The Usos for the tag team titles next week. Wade Barrett pushed that now is the ideal time for a title shot because there’s so much uncertainty with The Usos.
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– The Progressive Match Flo of the week recapped Rhea Ripley winning the women’s Royal Rumble match.
– Kayla Braxton spoke with SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair. Flair’s ready to take on Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania. Tonight Flair has to focus on Sonya Deville. Deville interrupted and promised to defeat Flair for the title.
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Rey Mysterio/New Day and Judgement Day Nascar segment
They showed highlights of Rey Mysterio and New Day, promoting the upcoming Nascar Clash at the Coliseum last night. Judgement Day showed up and argued with Rey and New Day. It led to Rey and Dominik racing against each other with professional drivers.
Dominik was upset that Rey won and argued with him until they got pulled apart. Dominik noted he would have won if Rhea Ripley had been there.
********
SmackDown Women’s Charlotte Flair defeated Sonya Deville (10:21)
Flair and Deville didn’t have a terrible match, but it dragged at times, and they seemed on different pages.
Michael Cole mentioned the passing of Lanny Poffo during the match.
Flair was firmly in control with a shoulder tackle. She followed with a flying crossbody for a near fall. Deville grabbed Flair by the hair and slammed her down as they cut to a break.
Deville dominated during the break. Flair briefly fought back and rolled up Deville for a near fall. Flair fought back with hard chops. She avoided a right hand and hit a back suplex. Flair rocked Deville with a forearm and hit a big boot for a close two-count.
Deville took advantage, with Flair missing a boot against the ropes. Deville rocked Flair with a pump kick for a near fall. She then hit a knee off the middle rope. Deville went for the figure four leg lock, but Flair countered with a small package for a close near fall.
Flair hit a forward flip into a clothesline for a near fall. Deville tried fighting back, but Flair locked on the Figure Eight for the win.
**********
– A video package recapped Cody Rhodes winning the men’s Royal Rumble.
– In the Bloodline locker room, Roman Reigns wanted to know if Jimmy talked to Jey. Reigns pointed out that they have a title match next week. Reigns was furious that Jey wasn’t around or answering any calls. Regardless, Jimmy’s certain that Jey will show up next week. Reigns didn’t care and ordered them to find Jey.
********
– For Black History Month, they looked at the career of Kofi Kingston.
The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) defeated The Brawling Brutes (9:43)
The Brutes and Raiders had a short but good hard-hitting match. All four looked really good, particularly Butch. Regardless, the fans appeared dead for most of it and only reacted at certain times.
Cole noted Butch and Ridge Holland are out for revenge for the Viking Raiders attacking Drew McIntyre & Sheamus last week.
Ivar backed Butch into the corner and rocked him with body shots. Butch tried fighting back with forearms, but Ivar overpowered him. The Brawling Brutes took over and gave Erik the ten beats of Bodhran. Valhalla caused a distraction, allowing Erik to send Butch into the barricade.
Back from the break, Holland tagged in and threw Erik across the ring with a series of suplexes. Holland escaped a powerbomb and hit an Alabama Slam for near fall. Ivar went for a top rope slam, but Butch countered with a hurricanrana for a near fall.
Butch went for a moonsault, but Ivar caught him and hit a power slam. Ivar took out Holland with a spin kick. After looking down at Valhalla, the Raiders hit Ragnarok on Butch for the win.
After the match, Drew Mcintyre and Sheamus walked out and brawled with the Viking Raiders.
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They recapped the Pitch Black match from the Royal Rumble.
They showed Bray Wyatt sitting in a rocking chair when Uncle Howdy walked in and looked at the camera.
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Elimination Chamber Fatal Four Way Qualifying Match: Natalya defeated Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, and Zelina Vega (7:16)
Typical WWE four-way with two people fighting in the ring and the other two lying outside. Not a bad match, but not spectacular either. The story revolved around Natalya out for revenge for Baszler breaking her nose.
Natalya and Shotzi fought each other to get to Baszler. Vega pulled out Shotzi and sent her into the barricade. Vega and Natalya went one on one in the ring. Vega hit code red, but Baszler broke up the pin attempt. Baszler then caught Natalya with a jumping knee for a close near fall. Cole noted Baszler used the same move that broke Natalya’s nose three months ago.
Back from the break, Baszler dominated all three competitors during the break. Shotzi fought back and hit a dive to the floor. Vega then hit a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle onto Baszler and Shotzi.
In the ring, Natalya got the sharpshooter on Shotzi, but Vega made the save. Shotzi then gave Vega a back suplex with a bad landing. Baszler got the kirifuda clutch on Vega and almost had the match won. Baszler dropped the hold when Natalya went for the discus lariat. She locked the kirifuda clutch on Natalya. Natalya broke free and caught Vega in the sharpshooter for the win.
Natalya qualifies for the women’s Elimination Chamber match in Montreal.
*******
– In the Bloodline locker room, Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa couldn’t get ahold of Jey or find him. Reigns was annoyed. He noted he’s under a lot of stress and pressure because of his position and WrestleMania season. He apologized for the way he talked to them earlier. Reigns wants them to go to the bus and enjoy the catering. He’s going to the ring to handle some business.
Roman Reigns Segment
Another hot angle in the Bloodline-Sami Zayn storyline. Reigns challenged Zayn to a title match in Montreal so that he could beat him in front of his family. The fans went crazy for Zayn, who was the most over with the crowd. The segment and Zayn’s beatdown got a ton of heat.
WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman entered the ring. Reigns took the mic, and the fans broke into a “Sami” chant. Reigns demanded the fans acknowledge him. The fans broke into a loud “Sami” chant.
Reigns knows the fans want him to talk about Sami Zayn. He’d rather talk about Cody Rhodes, who deserves his attention. The fans broke into another loud “Sami” chant. The fans didn’t boo Cody’s name but just wanted Sami Zayn.
Reigns looked into Zayn’s eyes at the Survivor Series and saw greed. Reigns said Zayn was just like everyone else and just wanted something from him.
Suddenly, Sami Zayn attacked Reigns to a massive pop. Reigns fought back and grabbed a chair. But Zayn recovered and hit a spear on Reigns to another huge pop. Reigns avoided a chair shot and rolled out of the ring.
Zayn took the mic and said he never wanted anything from Reigns until now. Zayn demanded a title shot at the Universal title. Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa ran out and beat down Zayn. Reigns backed Zayn into the corner and yelled at him. He blamed Zayn for Jey Uso leaving and breaking up his family. Reigns wants to beat Zayn in Montreal at Elimination Chamber in front of his family. The fans broke into loud “We want Jey” and “Sami” chants.
Reigns posed with The Bloodline over a fallen Zayn to end SmackDown.
********
Next Week: SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend their titles against Braun Strowman & Ricochet. Plus, Rey Mysterio, Karrion Kross, Madcap Moss, and Santos Escobar compete in a fatal four-way number-one contender match for a shot at the Intercontinental title.
The Raw Women’s Championship will be on the line at the Royal Rumble event on Saturday, January 28.
In a bout announced during Monday’s Raw, Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss at the Rumble. Belair offered Bliss a title rematch in a promo segment on Raw, and Bliss accepted.
Belair’s last title defense also came against Bliss at the January 2 Raw in Nashville, where she retained the title via DQ.
Belair has held the Raw Women’s title since night one of WrestleMania 38 on April 2, 2022.
The updated Royal Rumble lineup:
WWE Royal Rumble, Saturday, January 28, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Kevin Owens
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
Mountain Dew Pitch Black match: Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight
Raw started off 2023 with two title matches taking place last night.
The Raw Women’s Championship and United States Championship were both up for grabs on the first Raw of the new year. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss ended in a disqualification, while Austin Theory retained the United States title against Seth Rollins in the main event.
The DQ in the Raw Women’s Championship match happened after Bliss snapped. During the match, Bliss was distracted by seeing two people in Uncle Howdy masks in the crowd. Bray Wyatt’s moth logo then flashed on the video screen twice. That caused Bliss to freak out and attack the referee. Bliss then went after Belair, giving her two DDTs onto the steel steps. Belair, who had blood on her chin after being sent into the steps, was helped to the back by her husband Montez Ford.
Theory defeated Rollins after giving him a low blow, taking out Rollins’ hurt knee, and then hitting A-Town Down. Rollins had given Theory a Pedigree near the end of the match, but there was a ref bump that delayed the pin. Rollins was also slow to make the cover because of his knee.
Date: January 2, 2023 Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN
Show Recap —
The Raw intro video was abruptly interrupted as they cut to a live shot of the Bloodline (minus Roman Reigns) causing havoc around ringside. They tossed aside security guards and flipped over the announce table.
Kevin Owens entered with a microphone but before he could say anything, Sami Zayn told him tonight was a hostile takeover by the Bloodline and he wanted everyone to know it was Owens’ fault.
Owens forgot what he wanted to say because he just wanted to punch Zayn in the face. Owens went down the aisle but was cut off by Adam Pearce and six security guards.
Pearce said he has let the Bloodline, Roman Reigns included, run roughshod for too long but that would end tonight. Pearce sent a few guards into the ring to escort Bloodline from the building but Solo Sikoa disposed of them.
Owens ran into the ring but Bloodline put the boots to him before various locker room members (Street Profits, Luke Gallows, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, Elias and Mustafa Ali) ran down to clear Bloodline from the ring.
As Bloodline were leaving through the crowd, Pearce told them he was putting them to work because they’d all have matches tonight.
********
Backstage, Bianca Belair told Byron Saxton that her relationship with Alexa Bliss was beyond repair and she would show Bliss why she was the champion.
After a break, everyone who ran out earlier was yelling at Pearce because they wanted to fight the Bloodline. Montez Ford spoke up first but Elias convinced Pearce to give him a match against Sikoa because of what Sikoa did to him a few weeks ago. Pearce agreed and made it a street fight. He put the rest of Bloodline in a six-man tag match against Owens and the Street Profits.
(Dolph Ziggler was with the group but I don’t think he ran out earlier so he’s just taking credit for everyone else’s work.)
Musician HARDY was shown at ringside.
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Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defeated Alexa Bliss via disqualification (17:05)
Short recap: Bliss lost her mind, attacked the referee, and laid out Belair.
Belair controlled before and after an early commercial break until Bliss dodged a charge and Belair went shoulder-first into the ring post. Bliss had control until Belair showed off her strength and hit an impressive vertical suplex.
Belair hit three consecutive body slams (and had to yell at Bliss to “get up” in the middle of the sequence) and hit a moonsault (after having to adjust because Bliss was out of position). Bliss hit a senton off the apron which led to another break. (Bliss had a bloody nose, perhaps from going too hard into the turnbuckle.)
Bliss held a chinlock but Belair fought out and hit a backbreaker. Belair punched Bliss in the corner but Bliss yanked her out of the ring by her braid.
Bliss became distracted by a “fan” wearing an Uncle Howdy mask in the front row. She slid Belair back in the ring and went to the top but stopped upon seeing another fan in the same mask.
The screen flashed the Bray Wyatt logo and the crowd buzzed. Bliss suddenly freaked out, tackled the referee and hammered away at him. She also went to town on Belair and chucked her into the steel steps. Bliss gave Belair two DDTs onto the steel steps before walking off. (I’m not sure if it was real or not but Belair also had blood on her chin.)
A trainer checked on Belair as they brought out a stretcher ahead of a break.
During the break, Belair refused the stretcher and was instead helped out by Montez Ford.
(Because the referee was attacked, the bell never rang to officially stop the match. Corey Graves said the match ended via DQ.)
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Austin Theory. He said 2023 would be his year and Seth Rollins was the past. Theory said he’s outplayed Rollins every step of the way and his US title reign was just beginning.
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Elias wanted to play a song but Sikoa’s entrance cut him off.
Music City Street Fight: Solo Sikoa defeated Elias (14:26)
They hit each other with various musical instruments until Sikoa gave Elias a Samoan drop for two. Elias hit Sikoa with an electric keyboard for two before Sikoa hit a Spinning Solo. Sikoa missed a Stinger splash so Elias hit him with a tambourine, consecutive Stinger splashes and a spinebuster.
[SECOND HOUR]
HARDY (the musician) handed Elias a guitar but Sikoa superkicked him before he could use it. HARDY hopped the barricade and hit Sikoa over the back with the guitar. The guitar exploded but Sikoa no-sold it. HARDY begged off and left the ring as Sikoa stared him down.
Elias hit a running knee strike and went to the top but Sikoa hit him with a mid-air Samoan Spike. Sikoa gave Elias a Uranage off the apron on top of a piano and pinned him for the win.
(This match went way too long but Sikoa no-selling the guitar shot was awesome and the piano finish was cool.)
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Six-man tag match: Sami Zayn & Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Street Profits & Kevin Owens (11:47)
They tried telling a story that Montez Ford was distracted because he was concerned about Bianca Belair. Owens tried tagging Ford in at one point but he didn’t notice or care enough to tag in so the Bloodline took over.
Jimmy Uso superkicked Dawkins off the apron before Owens superkicked Jimmy. Ford was still in his own world as Owens went for a tag so Owens slapped him to tag him in. Ford fired up and hit Zayn and Jimmy with a flying crossbody before giving Zayn a standing moonsault for two. Ford gave Zayn a frog splash but Jey Uso broke up the cover.
Dawkins tackled Jey while Ford wiped out Jimmy and Sami with a flip dive. Sikoa marched out through the crowd and knocked out Dawkins. Owens went after Sikoa but Jey saved him by superkicking Owens.
Ford knocked Jimmy off the apron but the distraction allowed Zayn to hit a Helluva Kick for the pinfall win.
— Bloodline were about to continue the assault after the match but Sheamus and Drew McIntyre ran in through the crowd and laid them out.
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They plugged the Royal Rumble and announced the Pitch Black match between Bray Wyatt and LA Knight.
They also announced AJ Styles’ ankle injury and wished him well.
Dexter Lumis defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis) (4:10)
Otis tried to attack Lumis outside the ring he ducked and Otis hit the ring post. Gable tried a cradle when Lumis re-entered the ring but Lumis countered into a cradle of his own for the pinfall win.
(Gable looked good in the match. The crowd was completely silent for it.)
********
They will be airing a series of video packages hyping Cody Rhodes’ return. The first video highlighted his return at WrestleMania last year.
Bayley, Dakota Kai and IYO SKY were shown walking through the back. (MVP, Benjamin and Alexander could be seen in the background talking to Pearce.)
Damage CTRL/Becky Lynch segment
Damage CTRL entered and Bayley bragged about beating Becky Lynch until Lynch interrupted.
Lynch said Bayley talks like she reinvented the wheel but she’s really been on a hamster wheel saying the same things over and over. Lynch called Bayley a Karen who always needed somebody else’s help. Lynch said Kai and SKY were Bayley’s lackeys but she realized it was the other way around and it was just a matter of time before they turned on her.
Lynch losing to Bayley wasn’t going to make her complain it was going to make her better. Lynch challenged Bayley to a match. Bayley laughed and instead suggested a tag match with Kai and SKY against Lynch and a partner. Lynch didn’t have her phone to call anyone but didn’t care and offered to fight them alone.
[THIRD HOUR]
Non-title match: Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai & IYO SKY (w/Bayley) defeated Becky Lynch & Michin (13:45)
The match started with Lynch on her own but they never officially called it a handicap match. About six minutes into it, as the champs worked over Lynch, “Michin” (Mia Yim) ran out and jumped on the apron. Lynch tagged her in and she ran wild.
They repeatedly referred to Yim as “Michin” so it appears they have made that name change.
Yim hit a dive but Damage CTRL were working her over following a break. Lynch tagged in and beat the absolute crap out of Kai before chucking SKY into the barricade. Lynch hit Kai with a missile dropkick for two. Lynch and Michin gave Kai a double superplex but SKY broke up the cover.
Yim spiked Kai with leg scissors takedown but Bayley put Kai’s foot on the rope to break up the cover. Lynch went after Bayley as Michin gave Kai an Eat Defeat. However, as Michin was down, SKY hit a moonsault for the pinfall win.
— Lynch chased SKY from the ring and was stunned by the loss. (Probably because she had a fresh partner who ran out halfway through the match and still got pinned.)
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Musician Jimmie Allen was shown at ringside.
Saxton caught up with Alexa Bliss and asked her about losing control earlier. Bliss said: “I lost control? No. I gained control over Bianca’s headspace. And now she knows the only threat is really me, and that Raw Women’s championship actually belongs with me.”
********
They showed the video of Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley crashing Rey’s Christmas Eve party with Dom getting arrested.
This was followed by a funny Dom promo where he talked about how he served hard time and prison changed him. This was great.
********
There was a Bronson Reed video package.
Austin Theory defeated Seth Rollins to retain the United States Championship (23:36)
This went through two breaks with Rollins controlling through the first one and Theory controlling through the second. Rollins made a comeback following the second break, hitting a suicide dive. Theory countered a Pedigree but Rollins hit a backbreaker for two.
Rollins hit a superplex and went to transition into a falcon arrow but Theory beat him to it and hit a neckbreaker for two. They traded strikes until both men went down. They got up and traded strikes again until Rollins hit consecutive rolling elbow strikes. Rollins went for the curb stomp but his knee gave out and he couldn’t hit the move.
Theory left the ring, grabbed his belt and was about to leave but Rollins went after him. Theory tried to hit him with the title belt but Rollins hit a superkick and frog splash for a close nearfall.
Theory shoved Rollins into the referee by mistake and the ref went down. Rollins hit a Pedigree and a second ref ran down to count the fall but Theory kicked out.
Theory almost shoved Rollins into the new ref but the ref shielded himself. As the ref was looking away, Theory gave Rollins a low blow. Theory followed with a chop-block and A-Town Down for the pinfall win.
This wound up being a strong match, particularly the last ten minutes. The crowd was quiet pretty much all night but they liked Rollins and really wanted to see him win the title.
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair revealed on Sunday that she has been taking part in a bodybuilding competition in New Jersey this weekend.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Belair said she has been training for ten weeks for the WBFF Pro Atlantic City ProAm in New Jersey despite the rigors of her career in WWE that has taken her across the country and to both Mexico and Saudi Arabia in that time.
The final results are not yet known as of this writing.
In the post seen below, Belair opened up about her journey battling eating disorders in her past after having “an unhealthy relationship with food” and being triggered by even hearing the word “diet.”
“I wanted to push myself, test myself… see if I could commit without taking it too far, see if I had learned to listen to my body, see if I could diet again and have self control without going off on the deep end. I truly faced my fears with this one. I invested these 10 weeks to relearn myself and it took me on a self discovery journey of self love, commitment, and dedication to myself,” she said.
She went on to say the challenges in getting to this weekend were just as much mental as much as physical.
“I have evolved. I have matured. I do have self control. I have learned the importance of balance and I do listen to my body now! I have completely fallen in love with who I have become and I will be forever grateful for this journey,” she wrote.
During an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show, Montez Ford gave an update on an injury he’s been dealing with.
Ford and his wife Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair were guests on Tuesday’s edition of the “Today” show. When asked about a calf injury he’s been recovering from, Ford said he’s feeling 100 percent and should be back in the ring soon.
“100 percent now,” Ford said when asked how he’s feeling. “Should be back pretty soon. Just picking my spots and making sure when I arrive, the mission is still at hand, which is with my right-hand man, 100 grand, Angelo Dawkins. That’s winning the Undisputed Tag Team Championships.”
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles are currently held by The Usos.
Ford has been out of action since September due to the injury.
The competitiors to determine the advantage in the upcoming Women’s Survivor Series WarGames match has been set.
Rhea Ripley will take on Asuka in a singles match this Monday on Raw. The winner of that match will have the advantage in the match, which will take place next Saturday.
The match was announced on Monday’s Raw. However, it wasn’t announced who would be in the match. When asked by an interviewer backstage, Belair wouldn’t reveal who would be in the match, nor did she say who would be the fifth person on her team.
The current teams are Mia Yim, Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair, and a fifth person against Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, and IYO SKY), Ripley, and Nikki Cross. Yim agreed to join the match for Belair’s team on Monday after Damage CTRL had attempted to recruit her for their team. Later, Ripley agreed to join Damage CTRL’s team, as Ripley and Yim have been feuding since Yim’s return to WWE two weeks ago.
The match between Ripley and Asuka is the only match announced so far for Monday’s Raw, the final Raw before Survivor Series. It will take place at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York.
